Thunderbirds tab Kelly Curl for GM job

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, have signed Kelly Curl as general manager of the franchise.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of product that’s in my backyard,” said Curl this afternoon, “growing up in Winston-Salem and coming to the arena to games, I just couldn’t be more proud to be involved.”

Curl was on the inaugural Thunderbirds team in 2017 and has played at least a game in every season for Carolina since. He won the Commissioner’s Cup with the 2019 championship team.

“The Thunderbirds are very pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Curl from the ice and press box to the front office as General Manager of the Carolina Thunderbirds,” said co-owner Cary Ross, “As part of the ownership group I look forward to working with Kelly and watching him grow as our general manager.”

A native of McLeansville, Curl becomes the first native-born North Carolinian to be general manager of the Thunderbirds.

Collegiately, Curl played NCAA Division III hockey at Lebanon Valley College (Penn.). Prior to his time with the Flying Dutchmen, Curl played prep school hockey at The Hill School in Pottstown, Penn.

“Kelly was a great asset of the Thunderbirds as a goalie and did a fantastic job as our color man on our team broadcasts. We felt that Kelly was ready to take the next step to use his leadership skills and move into our front office,” said Ross.

Curl becomes the third general manager in franchise history.

“He’s been a consummate professional in the booth,” said Drew Blevins, the team’s play-by-play voice, “he’s been a mentor to me working in pro hockey and you really get to see how much this means to him by how he interacts with the people. It’s an exciting time.”

Season tickets are available now for Curl’s first season at the helm by filling out the online interest form on the team website. Once that form is filled out, a season ticket representative will contact you regarding your season ticket plan.